‘SERIOUS DISEASE’: People who visited these Oakville and Georgetown locations may have been exposed to measles and Halton Region is warning residents

“Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads easily through the air,” the Region said.

Halton Public Health is reaching out to known contacts who may have been exposed to the measles virus at the following locations on the dates listed:

• Maple Grove Public School and YMCA Before and After Care, 288 Maple Grove Dr., Oakville, on Thursday, April 11.

• Oakville Pediatric Urgent Care Clinic, including the waiting room and the Compounding Centre Pharmacy, 2540 Postmaster Dr., Oakville, on Wednesday, April 17 from 12:08 to 3:09 p.m.

• Georgetown Medical Associates and Halton Hills Family Health Team, 199 Princess Anne Dr., Georgetown, on Wednesday, April 24 from 9:19 a.m. to 12:02 p.m.

Visitors to these locations during the times noted should check your immunization records to make sure you and any people who accompanied you have up-to-date measles vaccinations, the Region said.

“Infants under one year of age, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems can get very ill with measles and should contact Halton Region Public Health or their health care professional immediately for further assessment,” the Region said.

Watch for symptoms of measles until 21 days after exposure, the Region adds, as symptoms can appear seven to 21 days after contact with someone who has the measles virus. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, sleepiness, irritability, small white spots on the inside of the mouth (Koplik spots) and a red blotchy rash that first starts on the face and spreads down the body, arms, and legs (this rash can last four to seven days).

“Measles is a serious disease that can be prevented with a safe and effective vaccine. I encourage everyone to ensure their immunizations, including for measles, are up to date, particularly children who may have missed their routine shots during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Deepika Lobo, medical officer of health for Halton Region.

The World Health Organization said more than 30,000 measles cases were reported by 40 of its 53 member states between January and October 2023 — compared to 941 cases reported in all of 2022, according to a recent Metroland story.

So, if you misplaced or lost your personal immunization record (yellow vaccine card), there are ways you can track your records.

The Ministry of Health said individuals who can’t find their vaccine card may contact the local public health unit for the area where they attended elementary or secondary school, or the primary health-care provider who administered their vaccine.

— With files from Evelyn Harford